Wawa Welcome America! celebrates the Fourth

Last month, Philadelphia’s Fourth of July celebration was announced in a preview that listed seven days of free events, food and music.

The preview featured a huge Tastykake, set out to celebrate the 21st year since the event was linked with Hoagie Day, and announcements of new activities at the National Constitution Center.

For the fourth year, Wawa Inc. will sponsor the Welcome America festivities. It is also 21 years since, at the first Hoagie Day, the hoagie was recognized by then Mayor Ed Rendell as the official sandwich of Philadelphia.

Mayor Michael Nutter told the crowd at the preview that Philadelphia has the largest July 4 celebration in the country and the city is “the only place to celebrate” the holiday.

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Monday, July 1:

The events will begin with a Go 4th & Learn: Wawa Dairy exhibition at Franklin Square, Sixth and Race streets, where there will be lessons in cow milking (from a plastic cow), storytelling, arts and crafts and face painting. At 10 a.m, children will hear stories and learn about the history of the dairy industry.

At 9 p.m., Philly@the movies will be screening “Silver Linings Playbook” in Rittenhouse Square. Viewers will see this award-winning film free.

Tuesday, July 2:

Special programming, live musical performances and an exhibition of the history of the hoagie. Free admission courtesy of Wawa Hoagie Day, 10 a.m. to noon, National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St.

Wawa Hoagie Day: 4.5 tons of hoagies will be cut up and distributed to be served free of charge to thousands of people. At the same time, there will be a “mail call,” when letters to troops will be collected. Also there will be a hoagie-building contest as well as a concert by the Liberty Belles, 2 p.m., Independence Visitor Center Lawn.

Fifty authors were selected by Free Library of Philadelphia librarians. Their photos will be exhibited only to ticketed guests.

The Philadelphia Orchestra will present a free neighborhood concert on the RiverStage followed by a small fireworks salute, 8 p.m., the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 301 Columbus Blvd.

Reading of excerpts from the Declaration of Independence and other programming to honor the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, steps of Independence Hall, 10 to 11 a.m., Sixth and Market.

“Let Freedom Ring,” a ceremony that concludes with a symbolic tapping of the Liberty Bell, 1 to 2 p.m., Independence Square, 5th and Market streets.

Party on the Parkway, activities for children, games, food vendors and performers will be offered. There will also be sporting events, noon to 7 p.m., 20th Street to Eakins Oval.

The band, the Roots will entertain the crowd at “The Largest Free Concert in America.” Other artists, including Demi Lovato, John Mayer and Jill Scott, will also take part. This will be followed by the annual spectacular fireworks display, 7 to 10 p.m., Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20th and Eakins Oval.

Friday, July 5:

Taste of Philadelphia: local culinary favorites are offered to the public along with the opportunity to hear performances on the great stage, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Penn’s Landing, 301 Columbus Blvd.